United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino praised his players character and togetherness after they defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 with 10 men to reach the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, he strongly disagreed with the red card shown to striker Folarin Balogun, insisting the challenge was accidental.
The victory marked the United States first World Cup knockout win since 2002 and secured a last-16 meeting with Belgium.
“It’s difficult to describe our feeling, because I think they were amazing, and (there is) no easy game in the World Cup,” Pochettino said after the match.
“I think the maturity of the team is amazing in the way that we are growing in the last five-six weeks.”
The American coach watched his side dominate much of the contest before Balogun, who had already scored his third goal of the tournament just before half-time, was sent off early in the second half. The striker received a straight red card after a VAR review ruled that his challenge on Tarik Muharemovic amounted to serious foul play.
Bosnia and Herzegovina coach Sergej Barbarez accepted the referee’s decision, but Pochettino firmly disagreed with the outcome.
“Never was this a red card. Watching it on TV, never was there intention to step (on) the player,” he told the post-match press conference.
“That was a normal action in football. That happened by accident and it’s never intentional. That is why for me it was never a red card.”
Balogun will now miss the biggest match of his international career when the United States face Belgium in the Round of 16, a major setback after his impressive performances throughout the tournament.
Pochettino revealed the Arsenal forward was naturally disappointed after the dismissal but remained focused on the team’s achievement.
“But he’s also happy because we qualified… He needs to understand that this type of situation happens,” he said.
“I hope that, for sure, he is going to be able to help us again. I hope that we go to the next round.”
The victory also marked a personal milestone for Pochettino, who became the first coach of the United States men’s national team to win three World Cup matches.
After the final whistle, the Argentine celebrated with supporters by singing “Country Roads” while embracing his players and members of his coaching staff in memorable scenes inside the stadium.
Pochettino restored the same starting lineup that comfortably defeated Paraguay 4-1 earlier in the tournament, with Christian Pulisic returning to the side. Although Bosnia and Herzegovina defended in numbers and frustrated the hosts for long spells, the breakthrough finally arrived just before the interval.
Balogun reacted quickest after a fortunate deflection inside the penalty area and calmly fired a low finish beyond the goalkeeper to give the United States a deserved lead. Despite playing the final half hour with 10 men, the Americans stayed organised before sealing the victory with Malik Tillman’s superb free kick, sending the co-hosts into the World Cup last 16 full of confidence.
